Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne – A Flavor-Packed 30-Minute Meal

If you’re craving a creamy, comforting pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is exactly what you need! It’s a rich, velvety, and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, sautéed asparagus, and earthy mushrooms, all tossed in a lusciously creamy Parmesan sauce.

Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish is easy to make yet restaurant-worthy. The flavors are bold but well-balanced—garlicky, cheesy, and a little spicy (if you choose to add red pepper flakes). Plus, the fresh asparagus adds a nice touch of vibrant color and crunch to the dish.

So, let’s dive in and create this incredible pasta dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before we start cooking, let’s go over everything you’ll need.

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz penne pasta – Holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.

For the Chicken:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for sautéing.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces – Tender and juicy protein.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder & 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds extra depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper – Enhances the seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a little heat.

For the Vegetables:

• 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces – Adds a fresh, crisp contrast.
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced – Earthy and umami-rich.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the dish with bold garlic flavor.

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream – Creates a rich, velvety texture.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Helps balance the creaminess.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, cheesy bite.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings in a blend of classic herbs.
• 1 tablespoon butter – For extra richness.

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped – A fresh finishing touch.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Before we start on the sauce, let’s get the pasta ready:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add 12 oz of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
3. Drain and set aside.

✅ Pro Tip: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to thin out the sauce later!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Now it’s time to season and cook the chicken for that perfect golden-brown flavor.

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Now that our chicken is perfectly cooked and set aside, it’s time to sauté the asparagus and mushrooms to bring in those fresh, earthy flavors.

1. Add More Olive Oil & Butter

• In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want all those flavorful bits from the chicken!), add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms & Asparagus

• Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and 1 cup of trimmed asparagus to the skillet.
• Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and slightly caramelized.

3. Add the Garlic

• Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

At this point, the kitchen will be filled with the rich aromas of garlic, buttery mushrooms, and fresh asparagus—a perfect base for our creamy sauce!

Step 5: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Now let’s transform these simple ingredients into a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta.

1. Pour in the Heavy Cream & Chicken Broth

• Slowly add 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of chicken broth to the skillet.
• Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken.

2. Stir in the Parmesan & Seasoning

• Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce.
• Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has a smooth, creamy texture.

✅ Pro Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra broth to thin it out!

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Now that we have a flavorful creamy sauce, it’s time to mix everything together for the final dish!

1. Return the Cooked Chicken to the Skillet

• Add the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce.

2. Toss in the Pasta

• Add the cooked penne pasta, tossing everything together so that the sauce evenly coats each piece.
• Let it cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

✅ Final Touch: Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—add more salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat!

Part 3: Pro Tips, FAQs, and Final Thoughts

Your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is now rich, velvety, and packed with flavor—the perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables. But before you grab a fork, let’s go over some pro tips, common questions, and ways to make this dish even better!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta Al Dente

To prevent mushy pasta, cook it just until al dente (firm to the bite). This helps it hold up well when mixed with the sauce.

2. Don’t Overcook the Asparagus

Asparagus cooks quickly! To keep it slightly crisp and vibrant, sauté it for just 3-4 minutes so it doesn’t turn mushy.

3. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

Pre-packaged Parmesan can be grainy and won’t melt as smoothly. For the creamiest sauce, grate fresh Parmesan from a block.

4. Adjust the Sauce Thickness

• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
• If it’s too thin, let it simmer for an extra 2 minutes to thicken.

5. Add More Flavor Variations

• For extra richness: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or an extra tablespoon of butter.
• For a garlicky boost: Add more minced garlic when cooking the vegetables.
• For extra heat: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

FAQ: Answering Your Pasta Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While penne works great, you can substitute it with fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini—anything that holds sauce well.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.

3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth to loosen up the sauce.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Replace:

• Heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream
• Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative

5. Can I add more veggies?

Absolutely! This dish works well with:

• Spinach (stir it in at the end for extra greens)
• Sun-dried tomatoes (for a tangy flavor)
• Bell peppers (for a hint of sweetness)

6. What protein substitutes can I use instead of chicken?

• Shrimp – Quick and flavorful!
• Salmon – Flaky and rich in omega-3s.
• Tofu or chickpeas – A great plant-based option.

Final Thoughts: Try This Creamy Chicken Penne Tonight!

This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is the ultimate 30-minute meal—perfectly creamy, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

Now it’s your turn! Did you try this recipe? Maybe you added your own twist with extra veggies or a different protein? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how yours turned out!

And if you love easy, restaurant-quality pasta dishes, be sure to check out my other creamy and comforting pasta recipes—because homemade meals should always be this delicious!

Happy cooking! 😊

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